A voiding cystourethrogram (VCUG) uses X-rays and contrast material to image the urinary system and check for problems. During the procedure, contrast material is inserted into the bladder using a catheter and X-rays are taken as the bladder fills and empties. This allows doctors to evaluate the structure and function of the bladder, urethra, and ureters. The procedure takes about 30 minutes with only a few minutes of actual radiation exposure. It can help detect issues like blockages but carries very small radiation risks.

1. Voiding Cystourethrogram
(VCUG)

2. A voiding cystourethrogram (VCUG) uses a small amount of radiation
to make images of a person's urinary system.
After the patient's bladder is filled with a liquid called contrast
material, an X-ray machine sends beams of radiation through the
abdomen and pelvis, and images are recorded on special film or a
computer.
These images help doctors see problems in parts of the urinary
system, including the bladder, urethra and ureters.
What Is VCUG?

3. Cont..
X-ray images are black and white.
 Dense body parts that block the passage of the X-ray beam through
the body, such as bones, appear white on the X-ray image.
Softer body tissues, such as the skin and muscles, allow the X-ray
beams to pass through them and appear darker.
 Contrast material also appears white, and when it fills the organs of
the urinary system, it makes them visible.

4. Cont..
An X-ray technician or radiologist takes the X-rays using a technique
called fluoroscopy.
While the contrast material fills the patient's bladder, and then while
the patient empties the bladder, the technician or radiologist watches
an onscreen X-ray video of the liquid moving through the urinary
system and a series of X-ray films is recorded.

5. Why It's Done?
A VCUG can check for problems in the structure or function of the
urinary system.
It can evaluate the bladder's size and shape and look for
abnormalities, such as a blockage along the path of the urine.
It also can show whether the urine is moving in the right direction.
Vesicourethral reflex.

6. Cont..
VCUG includes taking X-ray images while the bladder is being
emptied.
Since VU reflux can cause urinary tract infections (UTIs), this test is
sometimes recommended after patient has had a UTI.

7. Preparation
A VCUG doesn't require any special preparation.
Patient must remove the clothes and jewelry, wear hospital gown.
Female pregnant.
It's also important to inform the technician if you have or patient has
any allergies, especially to contrast material.

8. Procedure
The procedure may take about 30 minutes, although actual exposure
to radiation is usually only a few minutes.
Patient will be asked to enter a special room that will most likely
contain a table and a large X-ray machine hanging from the
ceiling. One person is usually able to accompany the patient to
provide reassurance.
The technician will position the patient lying down on the table. A
plain pelvic X-ray may be taken first, and the technician will step
behind a wall or to an adjoining room to operate the machine.

9. Cont..
The technician will then wash between patient’s legs, and will insert
a tiny rubber tube called a catheter into the bladder through the
small opening of the urethra.
The catheter will be used to fill your child's bladder with contrast
material. As the contrast material fills the bladder, the urethra and
bladder will be seen on a screen, and X-ray pictures will be taken.

10. cont..
Patient will start to feel the need to urinate.
Babies will empty their bladder automatically; older kids or adults
will be asked to hold it in until the bladder is full. At that point,
patient will be asked to urinate, and the movement of the contrast
material in the urinary system will be watched on the monitor.
X-ray pictures will be taken until the bladder is empty.
 When the study is completed, the catheter will be removed

11. What to Expect?
Child or patient will feel cool wet soap as the genital area is cleaned.
The insertion of the catheter might feel uncomfortable and might
make the patient feel the urge to urinate. Once the catheter is in
place, it's usually painless.
The patient won't feel anything as the X-rays are taken.
Babies often cry in the X-ray room, especially if they're restrained,
but this won't interfere with the procedure.

12. Cont..
After the X-ray is taken, patient will be asked to wait a few minutes
while the image is processed. If it's blurred or unclear, the X-ray may
need to be redone.
Patient might complain of stinging while urinating the first couple of
times after the procedure. Drinking extra fluids can help.

13. Getting the Results.
The X-rays will be looked at by a radiologist. The radiologist will send
a report to your doctor, who will discuss the results with you and
explain what they mean.
In an emergency, the results of a VCUG can be available quickly.
Otherwise, results are usually ready in 1-2 days. In most cases, results
can't be given directly to the patient or family at the time of the test.

14. Risks
In general, X-rays are very safe. Although there is some risk to the
body with any exposure to radiation, the amount used in a VCUG Is
small and not considered dangerous. It's important to know that
radiologists use the minimum amount of radiation required to
perform the study properly.
Developing babies are more sensitive to radiation and are at more
risk for harm, so if your daughter is pregnant, be sure to tell her
doctor and the X-ray technician.

15. Helping Your Child.

18. Reference:
Kids health organization.
https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/test-
vcug.html?fbclid=IwAR0886_6HlxdpH83t-
ag77CvApcXNaIXZzPnNcJAxjLD4LHPQlrOV_5Uhoo.

19. If You Have Questions feel free to
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